An earthworm does not have a skeleton. It has bristles on each segment called setae (see-tee) that help the earthworm move. Earthworms have no limbs but the setae are almost like little legs that help it slide through the soil. There are four pairs of setae in each segment of a worm’s body. The earthworm has two sets of muscles: one that makes it long and thin and one that makes it fat.

An earthworm has a nervous system with a simple brain and nerve cord. Some earthworms (nightcrawlers) can live up to 5-10 years! This is probably because they can’t be attacked and eaten by birds since they are so deep below the surface (unlike the common red earthworm).